At ESET, we believe that together we can influence a deep passion for shaping the future of cybersecurity. Since 2016, we have been dedicated to supporting and empowering women in their pursuit of a career in cybersecurity by awarding annual scholarships to aspiring female cybersecurity professionals. This year, after a rigorous selection process, six outstanding applicants from across Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom were chosen for their achievements, academic excellence, and dedication to pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Here are the remarkable recipients of the 2024 cohort:
Australia spotlight
ESET Australia teamed up with the then Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil, for the second year in a row. Experts predict Australia needs a further 5,000 cybersecurity workers annually to meet the target of being the most secure country in the world by 2030, which is why the Cyber Security Strategy invested $8.6 million towards accelerating the cyber industry in Australia. As former Minister O’Neil said: “to make Australia the most cyber-secure country in the world by 2030 we need to invest in the people who will defend Australians and our assets from this massive and growing threat. The percentage of women in cyber security is growing, and initiatives such as ESET’s scholarships complement the work the Government is doing to support that influx of women.” The former Minister's involvement in the 2024 ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship reaffirmed her commitment to achieving this goal.
The United States and Canada spotlight
ESET North America has been dedicated to supporting and empowering women in their pursuit of a career in cybersecurity since 2016 in the pioneering Cybersecurity Scholarship program. According to the 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce Study conducted by (ISC)2, the cybersecurity field continues to be predominantly male, with women comprising only 26% of the workforce in specific age groups. While there is a noticeable uptick in the number of women entering the field, it is evident that there is still a considerable distance to cover in achieving a more balanced and inclusive cybersecurity community. This year, our office in Canada awarded the winners in an event at our offices in Thornhill/Markham which the support of Laura Smith, Provincial Parliament for Thornhill and Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of Children, and Melissa Lantsman, Member of the House of Commons of Canada.
The United Kingdom spotlight
In 2024, the UK launched ESET’s first European cybersecurity scholarship in collaboration with Bournemouth University. Lorraine Che was successfully awarded a £5000 studentship with a hardware package to support her with her studies. She will also have access to ongoing support and mentorship from team and opportunities to attend ESET events. Lorraine will be studying BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Digital Forensics. In addition to her degree, she is excited to get involved in extracurricular clubs and activities to develop her skills as well as additional gain additional certifications to help support her future career in cybersecurity.
Their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and passion for STEM education embody the values that the Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship seeks to promote. These six students serve as great role models, representing the next wave of Cybersecurity professionals and digital defenders.
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Australia, the United States & Canada, United Kingdom
